Help me rate these Self Defense shotguns

[444 Magnum]

These three are gifted to me. I'll probably keep one and move the other two. Please tell me what you know about any/all of the three, your opinion on reliability and value, which one you would keep and why. Thanks for the help.

All three are twelve gauge 2 3/4".

1. Savage Model 69 R-H Barrel 20" Cap. 4+1 Crack in wrist but tight. About good condition-shooter grade. Action works. Four digit serial 38xx.

2. High Standard. I think this may be a K-1200 but I don't see a model #. If anyone knows better or can confirm, please share. Barrel 18" Cap. 6+1. About good condition-shooter grade. Some cold blue touch ups. Action works. Serial # 32392xx.

3. Mossberg Maverick Model 88. Barrel 20" Cap. 7+1. Good condition as non-professionally spray painted. Action works but is stiff-needs cleaning. Serial # MV828xxD.

Personally, I prefer a shoulder stock.

I've found very little information about The Savage 69 R-H. Some have said parts are scarce.

Comments about any aspects of the three are welcome.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

I have fond memories of the Savage from 60 years ago or so.

JMHO, I would not keep any. I would use them in trades for something nicer.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Know nothing about the Savage and High Standard although I assume they are both fine shotguns.

The Maverick is a very well made budget shotgun. Hogue makes aftermarket stocks in $60-$70 range. Many other add ons are available for the Maverick.

 

[cololab]

Can't beat free. I've a friend who has a Hi Standard like tne one you have and it seems to function fine if that helps you in your deliberations.

 

[444 Magnum]

Can't beat free.

I should clarify...they were free, but not without cost. These were part of my brothers accumulation who recently passed. No sentimental attachment to these, however, as I have Colts, S&W's and Browning rifles to keep and remember him. I'll probably post some of them later.

I already have two nicer S/D shotguns and don't need/want three more, so I thought I'd keep one.

 

[murphydog]

They are all solid guns. If you have a supply of 12 gauge shells I’d try the two with buttstocks and spring for the part for the Mossberg and do the same.

 

[Hawg Rider]

I have fond memories of the Savage from 60 years ago or so.

JMHO, I would not keep any. I would use them in trades for something nicer.

I'm with Sarge...I wouldn't keep any of them. Although pump guns are extremely dependable, they do take lots of practice to be used effectively as a self defense firearm. I recently moved away from pump guns (i.e. Remington 870 and Mossberg 590), and went with a Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol semi-auto 12 ga. Modern manufacturers, particularly the Italians, have eliminated the bugs that used to plague semi-auto shotguns. My Beretta is an outstanding shotgun- ergonomic and easy to shoot, accurate, and extremely dependable. I recently attended a one-day defensive shotgun course and put several hundreds of rounds of birdshot, buckshot, and slugs through it without a single F2F or other issue. It's also easy to accessorize with sling, ammo cards, weapon light, etc. Just food for thought. However, if I were to keep one, it would be the Savage.

 

[sigp220.45]

I’d keep the Savage, just because it is cooler than the other two. You already have the niche covered with your other guns, so why not?

 

[dsf]

I'm going to disagree with the "give them away" suggestions, to a point.

If you're looking for something more modern like Benelli or that can be tricked out, and intend to use it for home defense - sure, no need for them.

I have an early High Standard Model 120 - 18" barrel and holds 7 rounds. Easiest working pump I've ever handled.



Hold it vertical, press the action release and it slides open, no resistance. Means nothing as it is, but tells me when I work the action all the effort goes in to loading the shells.

Yours is a later version, you can tell by the squared off lower receiver at the magtube.

These are also sold by JC Higgins brand, barrel often lopped off at 18" with no sight. I can't see the front sight but I assume it's present since the barrel and mag attachment is there.

 

[rockquarry]

I’d keep the Savage, just because it is cooler than the other two. You already have the niche covered with your other guns, so why not?

Keep the Savage if it works okay; sell the other two. Or get rid of all three and get an older short-barreled Remington 870 with full wood stock. The Mossberg TV/Movie stock is less than useful but the looks appeal to the pseudo-gunfighting crowd.

 

[Bald1]

I’d keep the High Standard. I like the light colored wood and it kinda reminds me of a Model 12 trench gun. I have an 18” Maverick and can’t say one bad thing about it. I just think the HS is cool.

 

[444 Magnum]

I ran the Maverick today. After some lube, it loosened up but not the best action. I have larger than average hands and work for a living--that thing left my hand hurting after just four rounds of OO Buck.

If I keep it, it'll definitely be stocked.

 

[DWalt]

The Savage is essentially the Model 77E, the most widely used shotgun during the Vietnam War. I think most went for use by the ARVN, but many were used by US forces. The main complaint about the 77E was if you used it as a club to bash a VC over the head, the stock would break off where it joined the receiver. I have one and can’t complain. Except I have never used it as a club.

FWIW, my feeling about a home defense shotgun is that it makes little difference what type it is, whose name is stamped on the barrel, or how much it cost. If you ever need to use it, the confrontation will end after one or two shots. Mine was used in only one defensive situation. A rattlesnake in my back yard.

 

[rwsmith]

I can't understand the poll.....

...but I'll give my opinion. Get rid of the no stock Mossberg unless you just like that sort of thing. I like the length of the High Standard, but the recoil pad on the Savage. Sell all of them and get a shotgun with a shoulder stock, 18" and some change barrel, a recoil pad (for lots of practice) and a good capacity.

 

[Greyman50]

Sorry but there’s not a 37 Ithaca listed….

 

[Abbynormal]

Odds are the High Standard has no disconnect, so slam firing is possible. That's when you can hold the trigger down after a shot and jack the slide, causing the HS to fire without releasing the trigger.

That is a definite keeper.

Dump the rest and buy a Remington 870

 

[444 Magnum]

The Savage is essentially the Model 77E... The main complaint about the 77E was if you used it as a club to bash a VC over the head, the stock would break off where it joined the receiver.

The wrist on this one is cracked.

Odds are the High Standard has no disconnect, so slam firing is possible.

I'm familiar with slam firing and I'll check that... but I'm not sure I want to slam a twelve gauge with 00 Buck.

 

[444 Magnum]

"I can't understand the poll"

Sorry about that. I wish we could number your preferences from 1 to 3.

The poll is all the combinations for the three models as to which is most reliable. I think I listed all the possible combinations listed in order of preference. You choose the order...First, second, third.

 

[DWalt]

The wrist on this one is cracked.

The wooden stock itself is not the problem. The Savage stock fits over a long metal tube which is part of the receiver, attached with a long stock bolt. It is apparently a die casting that may snap as the result of a hard impact, such as using the buttstock like a club. Unless you are using the buttstock that way it will be OK.

The 77E is my “home defense shotgun”, loaded with #4 Buckshot. I believe it is reliable and admirably suited for that purpose. It was fairly distressed when I got it, so I bead blasted and hot blued the metal to improve its appearance. Also found an original military buttstock for it. It is a bit short, as the South Vietnamese were smaller guys. Works for me. Regarding any slamfire shotgun, I can see no good reason for it unless you are in a military combat situation, not in your bedroom.

 

[rwsmith]

Ok, I voted to try to give you what you asked.....

"I can't understand the poll"

Sorry about that. I wish we could number your preferences from 1 to 3.

The poll is all the combinations for the three models as to which is most reliable. I think I listed all the possible combinations listed in order of preference. You choose the order...First, second, third.

But in all honesty, my requirements FOR A HOME DEFENSE SHOTGUN are none of these, as they are.
But my preferences for the configuration, not the reliability or what shape they are in because they are unknown, are the Savage, High Standard and Mossberg. All of them have one or two of my requirements.

The Savage has a shoulder stock, recoil pad and isn't too long, The High Standard has a shoulder stock and short configuration and the Mossberg I plain don't like, but maybe I could learn to like it with light loads and a lot of practice.

That's why I said that I would sell them and get a short barreled pump with a shoulder stock and recoil pad if home defense was my main concern.

I think I still my have screwed up the poll, but the above is my best assessment.

BTW: If you could adapt the Mossberg with a stock and recoil pad, that would be my first choice.